The first closure of Lawrence Hargrave Drive was meant to have already taken place, according to a Roads and Maritime Services document. Also the document does not suggest that any alternative options to a full closure of the road for two one-month periods were considered. The Stanwell Park Slope Stability Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is dated June 2019 but was not made public and does not appear on the RMS website's project page for the Lawrence Hargrave Drive closure. The REF suggests a more aggressive time frame for the work than is now in place, with the first closure meant to have already happened. "Works would be completed during two four-week closures; one closure in August 2019 and one closure in 2020," the REF stated. "Works are planned to occur during winter months to reduce impact to tourism operators. The works may coincide with winter school holidays, which may reduce the impact to school commutes for residents in Stanwell Park." Also, nowhere in the document is there an explanation of why the road needed to be closed for two one-month periods. While the reasoning for the work is discussed in the REF, the need for full closures is not. An RMS spokeswoman said the REF was only a draft included in tender documents "to allow industry engagement as part of the process". "This was essential to help in determining how the job could be carried out, including identifying alternative methodologies and available machinery," she said. "Transport for NSW can enter into post-tender negotiations before the award of a contract for work, as was the case with the Bulli Pass work." READ MORE: Midnight call top cop never wanted The spokeswoman said public feedback was collected during the six weeks of consultation from July 16. "A Review of Environmental Factors is being prepared which will address all potential environmental impacts and provide responses to the consultation feedback," the spokeswoman said. RMS plans to close the road in the Stanwell Park area for two one-month periods so work can be carried out to stabilise the slope and ensure the safety of the road. While residents accept the need for the work, they have objected to the complete closure. Such a closure would force northern suburbs residents to head south through Thirroul and turn right at Bulli Pass to access areas north of Stanwell Park. Businesses in Stanwell Park and other northern Illawarra suburbs have also expressed concern about the loss of customers during the planned closures.

Lawrence Hargrave Drive closure was planned for August - govt report

Not happy: Northern suburbs business owners met at Stanwell Park last month to voice their opposition to the planned closures of Lawrence Hargrave Drive next year. Picture: Robert Peet

The first closure of Lawrence Hargrave Drive was meant to have already taken place, according to a Roads and Maritime Services document.

Also the document does not suggest that any alternative options to a full closure of the road for two one-month periods were considered.

The Stanwell Park Slope Stability Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is dated June 2019 but was not made public and does not appear on the RMS website's project page for the Lawrence Hargrave Drive closure.

The REF suggests a more aggressive time frame for the work than is now in place, with the first closure meant to have already happened.

"Works would be completed during two four-week closures; one closure in August 2019 and one closure in 2020," the REF stated.

"Works are planned to occur during winter months to reduce impact to tourism operators. The works may coincide with winter school holidays, which may reduce the impact to school commutes for residents in Stanwell Park."

Also, nowhere in the document is there an explanation of why the road needed to be closed for two one-month periods.

While the reasoning for the work is discussed in the REF, the need for full closures is not.

An RMS spokeswoman said the REF was only a draft included in tender documents "to allow industry engagement as part of the process".

"This was essential to help in determining how the job could be carried out, including identifying alternative methodologies and available machinery," she said.

"Transport for NSW can enter into post-tender negotiations before the award of a contract for work, as was the case with the Bulli Pass work."